This is highly independent epidemiology position in the area of communicable disease control within the Epidemiology Section of a large county health department in central Florida. Disease surveillance, investigation and control are integral components of duties which often require field work. Provides a broad range of services in the Epidemiology Section as a full-time County Epidemiologist. Provides technical guidance and completes epidemiological investigations for the required reporting of communicable diseases and conditions in Orange County for emerging pathogens and provides assistance as requested for neighboring counties as it relates to emerging infectious diseases. Coordinates, investigates, analyzes and controls outbreaks of suspected diseases in the community for emerging or novel infectious disease preparedness response. Provides assistance to the State Epidemiology Office as necessary. Collaborates with partners for emerging infectious disease response including implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions such as isolation and quarantine and ensuring and facilitating appropriate laboratory testing. Partners may include: health care practitioners and facilities; child care centers, schools and colleges; correctional facilities; county, state, and federal agencies with public health-related responsibilities; nongovernmental organizations; the general public; and others. Creates reports using internal, external, state, and private data. Analyzes data for outbreak, communicable disease surveillance report, HAI control and prevention and emerging infectious disease surveillance using advanced SAS, SPSS, Merlin and/or Epi. Info statistical software packages. Assists health department management in the development of policy to address health improvements in target groups or other problems identified in the assessment stages. Conducts extensive studies in the community and for the Academic Health Department. Assists management in the coordination of planning material to be used in strategic plans and multi-year plans. Participates in the writing and development of public health reports or articles for peer-reviewed journals. Creates or updates appropriate operational plans and protocols for responding to emerging infectious diseases or conditions. Assists with building the operational readiness capacity of core public health personnel and the healthcare system partners through development and implementation of training and exercise program to support integrated response teams. Attends and/or facilitates meetings and attends conferences representing the department. Appears at public meetings, lectures to groups as requested. Participates in local, regional or statewide training and exercises directed to county health department staff and public health partners. Participates in quality improvement trainings and exercises as it relates to the county health department including clinical sites. Develops reports and performs other duties as necessary. Performs all other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES, INCLUDING UTILIZATION OF EQUIPMENT, REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION: Knowledge of basic epidemiological principles and practices. Skill to conduct epidemiological investigative case follow up. Ability to communicate effectively with clients, staff and the community. Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques. Ability to work independently. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to document work products. Basic computer skills, and skill to use office equipment and epidemiology programs, including Windows, Outlook, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Epi. Info. Skill to complete assessments as part of the epidemiological investigation. Ability to prepare and complete reports. Skill to write in a technical format for journal and peer referred journals. Ability to formulate policies and procedures. Knowledge of public health emergency response needs and capabilities. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to prepare and deliver presentations to staff and the community. Ability to communicate effectively with clients, staff and the community. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments. Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values: Mission: To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. Vision: To be the Healthiest State in the Nation. Values: I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely. C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems. A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect. R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners. E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement. Where You Will Work: Program: Epidemiology Location: 6101 Lake Ellenor Drive; Orlando, FL32809 The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including: Annual and Sick Leave benefits; Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year; State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options; Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click Flexible Spending Accounts; Tuition waivers; And more! For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit Please be advised: Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process. This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions. Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system. E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility. Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days. All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.